Downton Abbey stars given ‘three year contracts’

According to reports the leading cast of Downton Abbey have been handed lucrative three year long contracts.

The Sun reports that the extended contracts have been issued in order to prevent the actors quitting for Hollywood following the departure of Dan Stevens which left many fans unhappy with the writers killing off his character of Matthew Crawley.

The award winning period drama has plenty of life left in it yet according to executive producer Gareth Neame who spoke earlier this month about the future of the series.

The show is so popular around the world now…It’s beloved, and it’s in fine form. The fourth season is in extremely good health. I think the show has got a lot further to go. If people around the world love the show, we want to make it.

The deals with the key performers – including Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Allen Leach – are said to be worth £1million each.

Downton’s charm is tradition so bosses were desperate to secure the show’s big names. All the major characters are now on BIG deals. It was also important to keep Allen. His role has grown considerably since he started as the chauffeur and you will see him more and more. – A source told The Sun

The fourth season of Downton Abbey is yet to air with speculation on how long the series, currently heading into the 1920s in the storylines, will run.